-
Newbie questions
I am sorry in advance because I know all of this has probable be asked many times before but please bare with me. I am new to hammocks and backpacking in general. I am planning a trip for the summer and want to try a hammock on the trip. I just started this journey and have only looked at the hammocks at academy sports. Then I found this cite and got excited because I am a DIY guy. I try to make any and everything I can that I need. So for a beginner how much is an estimate for material for making your hammocks, nets and tarps. Where is a cheap place to get the stuff and how should i go about getting started. I have watched some of your videos and think there is a ton of great info on here but it is a little overwhelming when you don't have a cluE where to start. Any help would be appreciated and lessons learned are always helpful.
Thanks.
-
Well, I would say the majority of the DIY projects on this site require a sewing machine. If you do not have one or do not know how to use one, check out Ramblinrev's how to videos for sewing gear. They are great and most of his posts regarding sewing machines are a good source of info on how to pick the right one.. Happy DIYing.
-
Well that's a mighty big question.... Why not start by making the hammock in this tutorial http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205 and you can buy pretty much everything you need at http://www.diygearsupply.com. DIYGearSupply also has a number of great tutorial sheets on bug nets, straps and whoopee slings. Plans for a great tarp here http://www.hammockforums.net/index.php?page=blackcat
Have fun!!
-
I also would recommend The Ultimate Hang. It a great reference book on hammock camping. http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hang-...4009803&sr=1-1
-
If you already have a sewing machine, half the battle is won.
All the materials you need to get started can be had here:
http://www.diygearsupply.com Scott (who frequents here) has good stuff, at good prices and excellent customer service. I've made many hammocks with his materials.
(the 1.1 ripstop 2nds is my favorite material for hammocks...)
If you can't sew, watch RamblinRev's videos, and like cwford said, start with a simple DIY hammock. Or go buy a $20 hammock somewhere and add your pad... Hammocking doesn't HAVE to be expensive, but like most hobbies, it CAN.
Best of luck,
welcome to the DIY Addiction.
-
+1 to the above posts.
Check out the tutorials, a hammock is really simple to make. If you're planning on using a CCF pad I highly recommend a double layer (a good guide is on the diy site as well http://www.diygearsupply.com/diy_gui...%20Hammock.jpg - a lot of other good guides there too - check 'em out). I made one and it was easy.
Hammock:
Single layer needs 4 yards of material, ~ $13. Double that for a double layer. Spool of thread $3.65
( or a GTUL from Amazon for $14)
30 yds amsteel for whoopie slings $7.50.
Bug net: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=39983
7 yds noseeum @ 3.55 yd $24.85
5 yds 1/8" shockcord $1
cordlock $.25
Tree straps: polyester webbing, 12 ft @ $.40 ft $4.80
Altogether ~$50
Tarp - depends on how big you want. 2nd silnylon @ $3.25 yd, grosgrain for tieouts/reinforcement (unless you have a largish area and are really confident with your sewing skills, I'd personally recommend just buying a tarp). Cheap tarps ~$50: kelty noah 12, chinook 12x9, Hennessy hex etc. Of course inexpensive = heavier.
Misc cords and line will be needed also.
So ~$100 all said and done.
As noted earlier, this all assumes you have access to a good machine, misc equipment (scissors, rulers, long straightedge, seam ripper, pins or tape etc etc - the small things you don't think of but can add expense quickly).
HTH
-
Great info guys. I am still watching videos and getting ready.. I am not an expert with a machine but my wife is pretty good so I think she can guide me through. This is a great forum and I really appreciate everyones willingness to share.
Thanks